Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman, has announced her endorsement of Republican nominee Donald Trump for the upcoming US presidential election.
Gabbard, a military veteran who served in Iraq, previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 but left the party two years later. She has since become a prominent figure at conservative events and in right-leaning media.
Speaking at the National Guard Association conference in Detroit, where Trump was a guest, Gabbard expressed her concerns about the current administration’s approach to international conflicts, stating, “This administration has us facing multiple wars on multiple fronts and closer to the brink of nuclear war than ever before.” She conveyed her dedication to returning Trump to the White House, emphasizing his capability to mitigate the threat of war.
Gabbard, who once represented Hawaii in Congress and served as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, criticized Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for retaliating against political adversaries, eroding civil liberties, and misusing American institutions against Trump and herself. She stressed the importance of Americans uniting to reject a culture of political retaliation and abuse of power.
Her endorsement follows the recent announcement by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his own presidential campaign to support Trump. Additionally, Elon Musk, identifying as a historically moderate Democrat, is also backing Trump.
In his remarks, Trump framed the upcoming election as a struggle between communism and the concept of freedom, appealing to traditional Democrats and independents to join his cause. He acknowledged Gabbard’s military service, calling her “a special person” with common sense and a dedication to the nation.
Gabbard has recently been assisting Trump in preparation for the upcoming presidential debate with Harris. In 2020, she notably confronted Harris about her prosecutorial record, a moment that remains popular in conservative circles.
During the event, Trump commemorated the third anniversary of a suicide bombing that resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members during the Afghan withdrawal, attributing the blame to Harris and President Joe Biden. In response, Harris expressed her condolences to the families of the fallen service members, affirming her compassion for their grief and loss.